Kitchen appliance



Sept. 17, 1940. M. wEsT 2,214,869

KITCHEN APPLIANCE Filed Dec. 9, 1933 INVENTOR. flafpaew/ Z73 Mask ATTORNEYS Patented Sept. 17, 1940 STATES ang es;

P'lEN'i OFFICE KITCHEN APPLIANCE Marguerite West, Chicago, Ill. Application December 9, 1938, Serial No. 244,782

1 Claim.

The present invention relates in general to kitchen appliances, and more in particular to cleaning equipment for use in the kitchen, especially for Washing dishes and other culinary articles. The object of the invention is a new and improved device of the foregoing character comprising a combination soap receptacle and brush holder inconvenient form, together with means whereby it can be quickly attached to any smooth vertical surface where it is to be used, as on the apron of'a sink, and as quickly detached therefrom when it is to be put away.

The invention and advantageous features thereof will be described hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawing, in which- Fig. 1 is a side elevation of the complete device, as it appears in position for use;

Fig. 2 is a rear view of the device detached;

Fig. 3 is a section on the line 3-3, Fig. 1; and

Fig. 4 is a top or plan view of the complete device.

Referring to the drawing, which shows a preferred embodiment of the invention, the article or device includes a rectangularboX-like receptacle or container having side walls 2 and 3, end walls 4 and 5, and a bottom I. The end wall 4 is lower than the opposite end wall 5, and the sides 2 and 3 are tapered toward the end wall 4, as seen clearly in Fig. 1. There is also a partition 6, which is located a short distance from the end wall 5. The partition 6 divides the container into two compartments, and the dimensions are such that the left hand or forward compartment is of the proper size to hold a cake of soap of a well known brand, while the rear compartment is adapted to receive and hold a dish or vegetable brush of standard and known construction. The cake of soapis indicated by the reference character l2, and the brush by the reference character I3. The article is preferably sold completely equipped with soap and brush, as shown in the drawing.

In order to suport the articles in the proper position for convenient use, it is provided with a vacuum cupl0 secured to the end wall 5. The vacuum cup is of a good grade of rubber and is secured in place by means of a machine screw the head of which is wholly enclosed within the base of the vacuum cup. The screw passes through an opening drilled in the end wall 5 and is secured by a nut H, as shown in Fig. 4. The bottom of the container extends to the rear in the form of two projections 8 and 9, which are of the proper length so that when the device is in position it will be held substantially horizontal as Seen in Fig. 1. If desired, the device can be made with a continuous head or rim in place of the two separate projections 8 and 9. The object, of course, is to afford a bearing against the vertical surface to which the device is attached, which is approximately the same distance from the end wall 5 as the operative end of the vacuum cup.

The complete container as described, except for the vacuum cup, may be moulded in one piece of Bakelite or other known plastic compound. By employing a plastic material which is adapted to receive coloring matter, the article can be produced in different colors, such as blue, green, ivory, -etc., thereby adding to the attractiveness and affording to the purchaser the opportunity to select a color harmonizing withthe existing color scheme. The container may also be made of aluminum, which makes a good appearance and is easily kept clean. An excellent construction, affording an attractive and durable finish, in- 20 volves the use of sheet metal protected by chromium plating. It will be understood, however, that any desired and suitable material may be used.

The manner in which the invention is used will 25 doubtless be readily understood, but may be described briefly. The container is grasped firmly, and after first wetting the vacuum cup, it is pressed with considerable force against the apron. of the sink, preferably just to the-right of the 3 water faucets. The end of the container may be raised somewhat so that the projections 8 and 9 will not interfere with the vacuum cup in obtaining a good grip. If this operation is performed properly, the container will be securely 5 held in the position in which it is shown in Fig. l.

The dish washing operation may now be proceeded with inthe usual manner, making use of the brush it which is rubbed on the bar of soap 40 I2 from time to time, and will be much facilitated by the invention. The soap is held in a convenient position, where the quantities needed can be taken off with the brush, leaving both hands free. This is a considerable improvement 45 over the customary practice according to which the soap is placed on the shelf of the sink, where it must be held with one hand during application of the brush, or is permitted to remain in the sink itself where it softens in the Water and 50 is wasted. Of course, soap dishes have been used, but such a device is always in the way and has to be held with one hand when soap is to be taken on with the brush the same as the bar has to be held when no dish is used. The con- 55 tainer provided by the invention, on the other hand, is secured in place where it does not interfere with or obstruct the main operation, leaves the shelf of the sink clear of obstruction, and

- retains the soap in a fixed but readily accessible position which can be selected for maximum convenience. The container also affords a convenient place to deposit the brush when its use is dispensed with temporarily and after the operation is finished.

The container may be left in position, or it may be removed and put away on a shelf or in a drawer as desired. Usually a small amount of water will accumulate in the soap compartment, and if desired a drain can be provided. Preferably, however, the drain is omitted so that some soapy water can be accumulated for washing out the sink. In order to remove the container, it may be pulled off forcibly, but it is better to insert the finger nail or a knife blade behind the upper edge of the vacuum cup, which breaks the air seal and causes the vacuum cup to instantly lose-its hold. The soapy water can then be emptied out where needed.

While intended especially for use by housewives in the manner explained, the invention may also find other applications, as, for example, in restaurants, hospitals, or any situation where small articles have to be cleaned with soap and water. The size and form of the appliance may also be modified without departing from the principles of the invention. I do not, therefore, wish to be restricted to the exact form and application of the invention as described herein, but desire to include and have protected by Letters Patent all modifications and variations thereof that come within the scope of the appended claim.

I claim:

As an article of manufacture, a kitchen appliance comprising an elongated rectangular container of substantially greater length than width made integrally in one piece with its side walls extending in parallel and disposed in rectangular relation with a transverse rear wall and a transverse front wall, the height, of-.said rear wall exceeding the height of said ,fro'nt wall, a supporting leg projecting from the rear wall of said container on either side and in line with the bottom and the side walls thereof, a vacuum cup secured to said rear wall near the top edge and substantially centrally thereof and projecting rearwardly therefrom for attaching the container to a supporting surface with said legs resting against said surface and holding said container in substantially horizontal position projecting therefrom, a vertical partition dividing said container into two rectangular compartments of different size, one smaller compartment being situated rearwardly and extending transverse to the center line of the container for receiving a brush and the other largercompartment being situated forwardly and extending along the center line of said container for receiving a standard cake of soap, the upper edges of the side walls of said larger compartment sloping ,downwardly and forwardl tQward said front wall to facilitate removal of said cake of soap from and insertion thereof into said larger compartment. Y

MARGUERITE WEST. 

